Exclusive-Kyiv in talks with Western weapons makers about setting up production in Ukraine -minister

Serhiy Borev, Ukrainian Minister for international cooperation and strategic partnerships, poses after an interview with Reuters at the 54th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 19, 2023. REUTERS/Lucien Libert

PARIS (Reuters) - Ukraine is in negotiations with Western arms manufacturers to boost production of weapons, including drones, and could sign contracts in coming months, a Ukrainian minister told Reuters.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year Ukraine has been scrambling to secure weapons ranging from munitions to rocket launchers to missiles. It has received support from countries such as the United States, Germany and Britain and Sergiy Boyev, deputy minister for Strategic Industries in Ukraine, said Kyiv was in talks with manufacturers from Germany, Italy, France and eastern Europe about them producing weapons in Ukraine itself.